Any foodie who has relished Pakistani cuisine will tell you that it is similar to North Indian, Afghani and Sindhi Cuisine. But that’s just one part of the story. While there are certainly many overlaps owing to their shared history and geography, subtle differences emerge via the methods of cooking, the ingredients and even the utensils used. It is these nuances that some of the best Pakistani restaurants in Dubai bring via their menu beautifully. They not just capture the regional subtleties of the land via their dishes but also extend their menus to Chinese and Oriental dishes reflecting the palate of the region.
Here are a few names to take note of if you wish to explore authentic Pakistani cuisine with a twist in Dubai.
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Top Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai
While there may be innumerable number of restaurants serving Pakistani food in Dubai, here are the names that have remained top rated consistently for a over a number of years.
Karachi Grill Restaurant
If you wish to see Pakistan on a plate, Karachi restaurant is the right place in Dubai. Located at the Jumeirah Beach Road, the restaurant specialises in bringing forth the best of Pakistani, Mughlai and North Indian dishes. BBQ, grilled items, spiced curries and baked rotis straight from the tandoor. You can find it all. In addition, the menu also includes starters, soups and chats. To end your meal on a sweet note- you can also find desserts like Rasmalai, Gulab jamun, Falooda, and Firni.
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road
- Timings: ~12 PM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 40–120 (mid-range)
Nayaab Haandi – Al Wasl
The spacious atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, makes the restaurant an ideal place for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all your meals. The Handi section which is the highlight of the place brings forth curries simmered in thick, creamy gravies which are hands down amazing. But alongside rich gravies, the menu also features oriental dishes variants of fried rice, noodles, Manchurians, and soups lending diversity to the menu.
- Location: Al Wasl Road
- Timings: ~12 PM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 40–120 (mid-range)
Bar.B.Q Tonight
Since 1988 Bar B.q has been popular for its Mughlai cuisine. It brings forth an eclectic mix of traditional flavours, usually authentic Pakistani barbecue flavour, which is also the main highlight of the menu. The popular bestsellers include classic Mughlai and Pakistani dishes and several other rich gravies that are absolutely finger-licking good.
- Location: Al Karama / multiple branches
- Timings: ~12 PM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 50–150 (mid–high)
Authentic Pakistani Cuisine in Dubai
Pakistani cuisine draws subtle references from North Indian, Sindhi and Afghani cuisine, here are the names that delve into the regional subtleties of the region.
Muhammad Iqbal Restaurant – Pakistani and Indian Cuisine
If you wish to relish the best of Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi cuisine this place is a must visit. The simple no-frills setup with no fancy plating is one of the restaurant’s unique selling points. Spice rich gravies, fluffy naans, melt in the mouth kebabs with the best of cream-based desserts generously topped with nuts. The menu has the best of Mughlai food. Extensive and deeply rooted in traditional desi cuisine this is what we can best describe the Muhammad Iqbal restaurant.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~7 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 20–70 (budget)
Arhan Restaurant
The menu at Arhan features the best of Pakistani, Indian, and Asian cuisine. BBQ grilled meat platters, Indo-Chinese dishes, spice laden curries or flavoured rice preparations, the menu has it all. While the menu is known for its best sellers like Nihari, Paya and Kebabs, the pastas, soups and salads are also worth trying. It is one of the places where tradition and variety converge to present an interesting menu.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~11 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 30–90 (mid-range)
Apna Shinwari Restaurant
Popular for its Shinwari-style cooking, this place uses simple ingredients and minimal spices to bring out the best dishes. The karahi and grilled meat platters, cooked via traditional Peshawari style are a must try for any lover of Pakistani food. The Shinwari karahi simmered with minimal spices, tomatoes is pure chef’s kiss.
Location: Al Karama
Timings: ~12 PM – 1 AM
Price: AED 35–100 (mid-range)
Gul Khan Restaurant
Lovers of Peshawari street-side food will surely love the warm, vibrant ambience of the place. The place employs slow cooking techniques like charcoal grilling to present the best flavours to its diners. The main course heavily leans towards karahi dishes simmered in flavourful aromatic gravies, a reflection of authentic Peshawari cooking. The Kabuli pulao made with basmati rice, tender meat, and garnished with carrots and raisins pairs best with the curries.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~8 AM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 25–90 (budget–mid)
GOGA LAHORI RESTAURANT
Your search for authentic Lahori-style comfort food ends at Goga. These dishes are rich, moderately spiced, and designed to be filling and go best with tandoori rotis. Alongside comfort food the menu also boasts of traditional Pakistani curries that are comforting. The rice and biryani-style options made with minimal spices are suitable for everyday lunch, dinner and all meals in between.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~8 AM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 25–80 (budget)
Apna Kabab Rolls Al Barsha
This popular desi eatery is known for its flavorful signature kebab rolls. Moreover, the soft parathas, and the authentic Karachi-style street food are a must try. The ambience is casual and cozy, making it suitable for families, friends, or even solo diners and business lunches.
- Location: Al Barsha
- Timings: ~10 AM – 2 AM
- Price: AED 15–50 (budget)
Cheezy Bites
A Pizza lover, a Biryani fan, and a shawarma lover are all satisfied once they visit Cheezy Bites. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night indulgence this place is apt for all. The desi Pakistani section comprises curries, biryani, and tandoor platters are the highlight of the place. The most interesting aspect of the menu is that it adds an interesting Arabic and fusion touch through dishes like Mandi and Shawarma alongside variants of oriental favourites like noodles, soup and fried rice.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~10 AM – 2 AM
- Price: AED 25–90 (budget–mid)
Sthan – Food Beyond Borders
The beauty of Indian, Pakistani and Afghan blends seamlessly at Sthan. Just as the name and the tagline suggest the menu stands as a testimony to the culinary unification of the three regions. The open air kitchens,tandoor-style cooking are one its major unique selling points.Along with classical rural recipes of the land, the menu also offers tangy, crunchy canapes layered with chutneys bringing in the element of Indian street food.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~12 PM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 40–110 (mid-range)
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Affordable Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai
If you do not wish to dig a hole in your pocket while relishing Pakistani cuisine, here are the names to take note of.
Little Lahore
Street-style starters like samosas, pakoras,gola kebabs or smoky plates of chicken malai boti, Nihari, mutton paya, shahi haleem, the menu at Little Lahore has it all. Complying with the well cooked curries are beautifully crafted variations of Biryani and Pulao. While the main highlights of the menu are mostly meat based dishes it also features variations of vegetarian favourites dishes like dal, rajma, palak paneer, and chana that are a hard miss.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~8 AM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 25–80 (budget–mid)
Soghaat Sweets Bakers & Restaurant
The traditional mithai, baked goodies, and desi snacks at Soghaat are absolutely amazing. The restaurant doubles up as a bakery, and a casual restaurant. Whether you wish to buy sweet boxes, custom cakes, and traditional desserts for your special occasions or have a satisfying meal the place is great for both. The menu also includes options like burgers, pasta, sandwiches, fried goods, and soups alongside traditional favorites.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~8 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 10–60 (budget)
Tasty Dine Restaurant. Taste of Pakistan.
This place is widely known for bringing simple, comforting Pakistani and Indian food which includes curries, gravies, and everyday breads devoid of complexity. Alongside the home-style gravies, you can also find street favourites like shawarma, burgers, sandwiches, fries, and wraps to satiate your evening hunger pangs.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~10 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 20–70 (budget)
Best Pakistani Restaurants for Family Dining
For those looking for a day out with family with the best of Pakistani restaurants lined up, here are the names to take note of.
Des Pardes Restaurant
Whether you crave Pakistani food for a heavy breakfast, a late-night meal, lunch, brunch and anything in between. This place brings the best of Mughlai and Pakistani dishes during all times. The BBQ section which is one of its unique selling points brings out the best of meat platters, succulent kebabs and botis. The vibe of the restaurant can be best defined as a highway dhaba that is never at ease.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~8 AM – 2 AM
- Price: AED 30–100 (mid-range)
B&B Restaurant
Since 2009, B&B Cafe & Restaurant has been popular for serving authentic Pakistani and North Indian cuisine. The traditional breakfast offering consisting of paya’s niharis is the highlight of the menu. Also, the place even features classical curries and karahi dishes that are rich, comforting, and go best with flavored rice, baked rotis and some raita on the side.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~7 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 25–80 (budget)
House Of Kabila
House of Kabila is one of the places where flavour meets finesse. The menu resembles a well curated North Indian feast consisting of kebabs, a mix of classic Mughlai and Indo-fusion flavours. While you can relish the spice laden curries, the slow simmered dal and the freshly baked rotis. You can also take a bite of fluffy well stuffed momos and soups.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~12 PM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 40–120 (mid-range)
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Fine Dining Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai
Here are a few names that serve Pakistani restaurants the fine dining way.
Nayaab Haandi – Al Wasl
The spacious atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, makes the restaurant an ideal place for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all your meals. The Handi section which is the highlight of the place brings forth curries simmered in thick, creamy gravies which are hands down amazing. But alongside rich gravies, the menu also features oriental dishes variants of fried rice, noodles, Manchurians, and soups lending diversity to the menu.
- Location: Al Wasl Road
- Timings: ~12 PM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 40–120 (mid-range)
Bar.B.Q Tonight
Since 1988 Bar B.q has been popular for its Mughlai cuisine. It brings forth an eclectic mix of traditional flavours, usually authentic Pakistani barbecue flavour, which is also the main highlight of the menu. The popular bestsellers include classic Mughlai and Pakistani dishes and several other rich gravies that are absolutely finger-licking good.
- Location: Al Karama / multiple branches
- Timings: ~12 PM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 50–150 (mid–high)
Pindi Boys Restaurant & Cafe, Sheikh Zayed Road
Desi classic dishes meet café-style comfort snacks at the Pindi Boys. The highlights of the menu include an interesting mix of Pakistani and North Indian dishes both of which are rich, comforting and curated with perfection to be best paired with naan and flavoured rice. The tikkas, kebabs, and grilled meat platters are a must try for every meat lover. The menu also includes continental classics like steaks, pastas and even interesting fusion dishes, which makes it stand out from other restaurants.
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
- Timings: ~8 AM – 2 AM
- Price: AED 40–120 (mid-range)
Pakistani Street Food Restaurants in Dubai
Ravi Restaurant Satwa
The dishes at Ravi restaurant embody home-style richness with in-depth flavours that makes them unforgettable. Rooted in Pakistani and North Indian cuisine, the dishes that feel comforting, bold, and satisfying all at once. The signature Peshawari delights of the menu are rich, flavourful and generously layered with spice.
- Location: Satwa
- Timings: ~11 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 20–70 (budget)
Pak Darbar Restaurant Al Jaddaf
For those wishing to experience Karachi on a plate, Pak Darbar is the place. Apart from the bestseller biryani, the karahi curry dishes are also worth trying. The BBQ section boasts of tikkas,kebabs, and chops that are absolute gems. The smoky, juicy meat platters are worth every food lover’s taste buds.
- Location: Al Jaddaf
- Timings: ~8 AM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 25–90 (budget–mid)
New Shinwari Restaurant Bur Dubai
Lovers of Pakistani and North Indian food will not regret visiting the New Shinwari Restaurant in Bur Dubai. The Shinwari karahi, chapli kebabs, the flavourful biryani, and the freshly baked parathas are a few of their many bestsellers. The ancient cooking style focuses on simple spices rather than overburdening the dish with spices. The restaurant stays open till late night, making it one of the best spots for late diners.
- Location: Bur Dubai
- Timings: ~12 PM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 30–100 (mid-range)
Popular Pakistani Restaurants in Bur Dubai & Karama
Bur Dubai and Karama are some of the places that have the most popular Pakistani restaurants, here are a few names to take note of
Muhammad Iqbal Restaurant – Pakistani and Indian Cuisine
If you wish to relish the best of Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi cuisine this place is a must visit. The simple no-frills setup with no fancy plating is one of the restaurant’s unique selling points. Spice rich gravies, fluffy naans, melt in the mouth kebabs with the best of cream-based desserts generously topped with nuts. The menu has the best of Mughlai food. Extensive and deeply rooted in traditional desi cuisine this is what we can best describe the Muhammad Iqbal restaurant.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~7 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 20–70 (budget)
Arhan Restaurant
The menu at Arhan features the best of Pakistani, Indian, and Asian cuisine. BBQ grilled meat platters, Indo-Chinese dishes, spice laden curries or flavoured rice preparations, the menu has it all. While the menu is known for its best sellers like Nihari, Paya and Kebabs, the pastas, soups and salads are also worth trying. It is one of the places where tradition and variety converge to present an interesting menu.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~11 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 30–90 (mid-range)
Apna Shinwari Restaurant
Popular for its Shinwari-style cooking, this place uses simple ingredients and minimal spices to bring out the best dishes. The karahi and grilled meat platters, cooked via traditional Peshawari style are a must try for any lover of Pakistani food. The Shinwari karahi simmered with minimal spices, tomatoes is pure chef’s kiss.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~12 PM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 35–100 (mid-range)
Faisal Restaurant
Faisal Restaurant is an apt choice for those craving flavourful desi meals without spending much. The simple, no-frills setting attracts diners fond of homestyle flavors at budget-friendly prices. Few of the popular dishes are the Karahi curries ,the Biryani’s, and freshly baked breads. The place makes use of traditional cooking methods which helps the chefs bring out the best of the ingredients without compromising on taste.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~7 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 20–60 (budget)
KHAN GI RESTAURANT
This place in Dubai is known for its Pakistani and North Indian cuisine. The items on the menu are made using bold traditional spices. Moreover, the casual, no-frills ambience gives the place a much needed relaxed vibe. Khan Gi also operates from daybreak to midnight which makes it convenient for breakfast, lunch, and dinner cravings.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~8 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 20–70 (budget)
Charsi & Shinwari Restaurant
The bold Afghani and Pakistani flavours and its signature Shinwari-style karahi is what makes the Charsi & Shinwari Restaurant in Dubai a popular spot. The menu features best dishes from Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Persian, and Afghani cuisine.The cooking style makes use of minimal spices so the natural flavour stands out.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~12 PM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 40–120 (mid-range)
Must-Try Pakistani Restaurants for Biryani & BBQ
Lovers of BBQ and Biryani will not regret visiting the names mentioned below
Tau’s Restaurant
The menu at Tau’s features an interesting mix of Pakistani, Indian, Afghan, and grill-based dishes that are crafted to perfection. Furthermore, it also has street-style starters, rich curries, and smoky grills. Despite being generously laden with spices the dishes on the menu are light, flavour-packed and made with wholesome ingredients.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~12 PM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 35–100 (mid-range)
Pak Liyari Restaurant L.L.C (Br.)
Pak Liyari introduces Karachi-style flavours to Dubai via its innovative recipes. The bold use of spices and extremely budget-friendly pricing are the main reasons for its popularity. The white roast which is an all-time bestseller is a must try. The dish is made with mild spices and dry fruits, very different from the usual spicy curries.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~12 PM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 25–80 (budget)
Bab Al Nojoom Restaurant
The Haleem at Bab Al Nojoom is rich, slow-cooked, and an absolute gem. But apart from the Haleem, the BBQ and grill section features kebabs, grilled meat platters that add on a smokey element to every meal. Furthermore the menu also features café-style favourites like sandwiches, burgers, shawarma, and fries, which can be best described as the love child of a dhaba and a cafe.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~10 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 25–80 (budget)
Pak Jinnah Sweets & Restaurant
This is one of the rarest places that combines traditional Pakistani meals with a full-fledged mithai (sweets) counter. Alongside the main course including classic Pakistani curries and rich gravies, the menu also has an interesting chaat section bringing in tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavours all at once. The BBQ section consists of mixed grills and kebab which gives your rich gravies the smoky contrast to balance your palate.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~8 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 20–80 (budget)
Highly Rated Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai
While Dubai has innumerable Pakistani restaurants, here are the names that have been popular among the audiences for years.
Wakha Restaurant Al Barsha
One of the most well-known Afghan restaurants in Dubai’s landscape, this is another place focusing on its Shinwari-style cooking. The place employs simple mess free cooking techniques that bring out the natural flavour of the place. Deeply rooted in Afghan and Peshawari cuisine, the dishes are cooked with very few spices allowing the natural richness of the ingredients to shine.
- Location: Al Barsha
- Timings: ~12 PM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 40–120 (mid-range)
Tikka Bite Restaurant
The tandoor-style dishes with bold North Indian flavors, the grilled meat items like tikka’s, kebabs and tandoori platters are a must try. The menu also features classic rich gravies with creamy textures simmered to perfection. The cooking style leans towards Punjabi and North Indian street-inspired flavors with a contemporary twist.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~12 PM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 30–90 (mid-range)
Lahore Plate Restaurant Jaddaf
This casual Pakistani dining spot is known for simple, mess-free, and budget-friendly meals.The place serves Pakistani, grill, and Indo-Chinese dishes along with food like karahi, kebabs, biryani, and haleem. The ambience is simple and family-friendly, more functional than fancy, but lively during meal hours.
- Location: Al Jaddaf
- Timings: ~8 AM – 12 AM
- Price: AED 20–70 (budget)
Mango People
The Sindhi biryani, karahi, BBQ platters, stuffed parathas are every foodie’s guilty pleasure. The interiors are lively cum retro with Bollywood-inspired elements making it the ideal place for your date nights. Over the years, Mango People has emerged as a cozy and flavorful spot for enjoying authentic desi food with a modern twist.
- Location: Al Karama
- Timings: ~12 PM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 40–120 (mid-range)
Desi Deira Restaurant ( Meena Bazar Branch )
The Karahi, biryani, BBQ meat platters are the highlight of Desi Deira.The restaurant operates from daybreak till late night, making it a go-to spot for both breakfast meetups and and late dinners. Service is generally quick, warm and welcoming further personifying its charm.
- Location: Meena Bazaar / Deira
- Timings: ~8 AM – 1 AM
- Price: AED 20–70 (budget)
Pindi Boys Restaurant & Cafe, Sheikh Zayed Road
Desi classic dishes meet café-style comfort snacks at the Pindi Boys. The highlights of the menu include an interesting mix of Pakistani and North Indian dishes both of which are rich, comforting and curated with perfection to be best paired with naan and flavoured rice. The tikkas, kebabs, and grilled meat platters are a must try for every meat lover. The menu also includes continental classics like steaks, pastas and even interesting fusion dishes, which makes it stand out from other restaurants.
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
- Timings: ~8 AM – 2 AM
- Price: AED 40–120 (mid-range)
FAQ’s
1. What is Pakistani cuisine known for?
The rich gravies with aromatic spices and slow-cooked curries like nihari and haleem are the major reasons for the popularity of Pakistani cuisine. The smoky BBQ dishes such as kebabs and tikka bring in influences from North Indian, Afghani, Persian, and Central Asian cooking traditions which make Pakistani cuisine a favourite around the world.
2. Are Pakistani restaurants in Dubai expensive?
There are Pakistani restaurants in Dubai across all budgets. From affordable eateries in areas like Karama and Deira starting from AED 20–40 per meal, you can also find mid-range restaurants AED 50-80. Furthermore, there are fine-dining restaurants that can go up to AED 100–150 per person.
3. Which are the most popular Pakistani dishes to try in Dubai?
The most popular dishes of Pakistani cuisine include chicken karahi, mutton nihari, biryani, haleem, seekh kebabs, and Kabuli pulao. While many restaurants serve traditional recipes along with fusion items like Chinese rice dishes and shawarma.
4. Where can I find the best Pakistani food in Dubai?
The best places to find Pakistani food hubs in Dubai are Karama, Bur Dubai, Satwa, Al Barsha, and Deira.
5. Do Pakistani restaurants in Dubai serve vegetarian options?
While most of the Pakistani cuisine is primarily meat dominant you can also find options for vegetarians. Dal makhani, chana masala, palak paneer, mixed vegetable curries, and simple rice preparations, along with breads like naan and roti are some of the popular vegetarian dishes.
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